As many of you know, Ottawa celebrates its 200th anniversary this year! As a result, there are so many opportunities to celebrate, we are confident there is something for you regardless of your age, interest, or neighborhood.
Here is a sneak peek at what is happening over the next few weeks, but we are only scraping the surface here. Visitors and residents are asked to check out ottawa200.ca for more information about events as they continue to be updated on their calendar.
200 sports. 2 days(link is external)
Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7
Multiple locations
Try out a sport – for free – during a city-wide weekend of drop-in activities. Learn a few new skills or try something completely different. There’s something for everyone, including accessible options, so bring your family and friends to join in!
Basse-Ville en fête
Saturday, June 6
Jules Morin Park
Workshops, games, artwork and stage performances, all with a 19th century feel, will be part of the “Back to Bytown” section at the annual Lowertown festival.
Shawarmafest(link is external)
Sunday, June 7
73 York Street
Don’t miss the Guinness World Record attempt for the longest shawarma sandwich!
Voices of Bytown
Thursday, June 11 to Saturday, June 13
Major’s Hill Park
A 360-degree immersive virtual reality experience at the Festival Franco-Ontarien. Four musical voices guide visitors through two centuries of local history.
Pique by Debaser(link is external)
Saturday, June 13
Arts Court
Pique brings together diverse artistic communities to explore, experiment and connect. Debaser will animate Arts Court with Indigenous-led performances and site-specific installations celebrating the building’s layered history.
CÉSOC Fête de la famille(link is external)
Saturday, June 13
Collège La Cité
This year’s celebration will highlight the theme “Famille francophones : célébrons ensemble le 200e anniversaire de Bytown,” and will feature an Ottawa 200 quiz with prizes and much more.
Osgoode Youth Association Block Party
Saturday, June 13
5479 Osgoode Main Street
There will be displays, storytelling and interactive elements to highlight how the community’s rural heritage fits into the broader Bytown story.
Kinburn Celebrates 200 years of Bytown
Saturday, June 20
Kinburn Community Centre
A full day of community, history and summer fun. Antique show. Exotic animals. Live music. Bouncy castles. Fireworks. Celebrate 200 years of history in true Kinburn style.
Liberian Association of Ottawa
Thursday, June 25
Vincent Massey Park
The annual picnic will include children’s activities, live music, cultural showcases, storytelling, youth programming and traditional Liberian dishes with multicultural refreshments. Plus, opening reflections on Ottawa’s history, messages about belonging and civic responsibility, an interactive art wall and collaborative cultural performances.
Ottawa 200 + Bytown together
Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28
Bytown Museum(link is external)
The museum will come alive with costumed interpreters, interactive heritage activities and Lt.-Colonel John By himself. Music by the Bytown Sea Shanty Collective and the Paul Webber Band. Projections of historic imagery and a luminary forest installation will light up the museum and Canal Lane throughout the weekend. Plus, a Lumberjack Pancake Breakfast on Sunday.
Leading Ladies Canada
Saturday, June 27
144 Wellington Street
Cultural performances, storytelling, live music, heritage displays, children’s activities, community information booths and multicultural food. A special Bytown 200th anniversary celebration will highlight Ottawa’s evolution from its early settlement to the diverse city it is today.
